Bombers re-sign Willie Jefferson

VictorRomano · January 22, 2026, 02:23:56 PM

1 year extension, as per BB facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1422972305842764&set=a.790927029047298

blue_gold_84 · January 22, 2026, 02:49:46 PM

Blue Bombers re-sign DE Jefferson

Willie J Will Stay

GOLDMEMBER · January 22, 2026, 02:55:19 PM

He was good enough last year ( lots of knock downs again) but needs a pass rushing buddy or 2!

ModAdmin · January 22, 2026, 02:59:43 PM

Blue Bombers re-sign defensive end Willie Jefferson

WINNIPEG, MB., January 22, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one year contract extension with veteran defensive end Willie Jefferson.

Jefferson was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Jefferson (6-7, 244; Stephen F. Austin State; born: January 31, 1991, in Beaumont, TX.) returns in 2026 for his 12th season in the Canadian Football League and seventh with the Blue Bombers including his days with Edmonton (2014-15) and Saskatchewan (2016-18).

Jefferson appeared in 17 games in 2025 – he was rested in the regular-season finale for the following week's Eastern Semi-Final in Montreal - and registered 15 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and a league-best 16 pass knockdowns.

His 16 knockdowns tied his own franchise record set in 2019 and is the third most in CFL history.

A vocal leader and presence in the locker room, Jefferson has 46 quarterback sacks as a Blue Bomber, ranking him fifth all-time in franchise history.

Jefferson now has 77 career sacks in his CFL career and the second-most knockdowns in league history with 94.

A six-time CFL All Star, Jefferson was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019 – he was also the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Player that season – and has been named Winnipeg's top defender three times, in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

A three-time Grey Cup champion (Edmonton, 2015; Winnipeg 2019, 2021), Jefferson is also
one of the team's most visible players in the community and has been the recipient of both the Ed Kotowich 'Good Guy Award' (2022) and the Cal Murphy 'Heart of a Legend' Award (2023).

Blue In BC · January 22, 2026, 03:12:55 PM

He turns 35 at the end of the month but still has some gas left in the tank. No significant injury history and is a athletic individual.

What we need is improvement elsewhere on the DL and depth to let him continue to be successful.

I wonder what the SMS hit will be for 2026. Can't imagine that it changes much one way or the other.

dd · January 22, 2026, 03:57:29 PM

He and Vaughters are only ones really worth re signing from 2025 line

Blue In BC · January 22, 2026, 04:12:06 PM

Quote from: dd on January 22, 2026, 03:57:29 PMHe a Vaughters are only ones really worth re signing from 2025 line

I think I'm expecting Vaughters to be re-signed but they could just as easily try to find a new player in free agency.

We don't have any import DT's that carry over from 2025 off the PR. So Woods is the only one we have on the roster. While I think we bring him back to TC I don't see his spot as guaranteed either.

The players on the 4 man front weren't good enough as a group, so in that sense something has to give. We do have the 2 rookie DE types that played the last game but nobody with any experience as far as real depth.

I only see 2 other DL besides those 2 rookies from 2025. Not sure whether any of them are best fit as inside DT types. OTOH we often go with lighter and faster DE's in 3 or even 4 man fronts. Whether that is the best option is debatable.

I'd like to see a couple of bigger inside DT's signed for TC.

Throw Long Bannatyne · January 22, 2026, 04:42:58 PM

The D-line FA list has some impactful players coming up for bidding, fair to say the Bombers have a good chance of landing at least one. Also a fair number of stars from yesteryear trying to hang on to their football careers, Lorenzo Mauldin went from hero to zero in the span of 3 years.

Jesse · January 22, 2026, 05:14:24 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 22, 2026, 04:12:06 PMI think I'm expecting Vaughters to be re-signed but they could just as easily try to find a new player in free agency.

We don't have any import DT's that carry over from 2025 off the PR. So Woods is the only one we have on the roster. While I think we bring him back to TC I don't see his spot as guaranteed either.

The players on the 4 man front weren't good enough as a group, so in that sense something has to give. We do have the 2 rookie DE types that played the last game but nobody with any experience as far as real depth.

I only see 2 other DL besides those 2 rookies from 2025. Not sure whether any of them are best fit as inside DT types. OTOH we often go with lighter and faster DE's in 3 or even 4 man fronts. Whether that is the best option is debatable.

I'd like to see a couple of bigger inside DT's signed for TC.

Vaughters may not want to re-sign. We don't exactly put our DE's in a position to put up numbers.

blue_gold_84 · January 22, 2026, 05:17:21 PM

Quote from: Jesse on January 22, 2026, 05:14:24 PMVaughters may not want to re-sign. We don't exactly put our DE's in a position to put up numbers.

That's my concern as well. The D-line still needs to beef up the interior in order for the unit as a whole to be more successful, IMO.

Maybe Jefferson re-signing could help with getting Vaughters back for another season...?

Pete · January 22, 2026, 05:51:21 PM

Quote from: Jesse on January 22, 2026, 05:14:24 PMVaughters may not want to re-sign. We don't exactly put our DE's in a position to put up numbers.

The dline has been identified by many here , and rightly so, as an area of weakness ly, re-signing the same old crew isn't going to help that. In order to sign an impact dl (maybe ceresna?) I am more than fine with going with a starter rookie de such as Jenkins and Jaworski. Vaughters will be 33 this season. We could go with either Jefferson or Vaughters but not both.

Blueforlife · January 22, 2026, 06:08:23 PM

A great signing and all time great. The criticism I seen last year and in one other thread by a select few has been overstated. He deserves respect even as he reaches retirement. A pleasure to watch and have involved with our club and community. Generational talent.

I want Vaughters back. He is good to great. Those two new guys showed a flash. And area we need to improve on but we have some talent existing to complement with a new face or two. I am willing to wait to develop.

kkc60 · January 22, 2026, 06:13:38 PM

Yeah eh I mean his height helps and he was good...but is it the scheme or simply the fact he's older that's cause for his regression?

Pigskin · January 22, 2026, 06:22:51 PM

Willy had a tough year. Career lows in 15 DTs, and 3 Sacks, but still managed 16 PKDs. I am like this signing but Willy needs a bounce back season.

Throw Long Bannatyne · January 22, 2026, 06:45:11 PM

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 22, 2026, 05:17:21 PMThat's my concern as well. The D-line still needs to beef up the interior in order for the unit as a whole to be more successful, IMO.

Maybe Jefferson re-signing could help with getting Vaughters back for another season...?

Speaking of beef, look at the size difference Willie has to deal with every play...and sometimes there are 2 large bodies in his way.